Community briefs for Feb. 19, 2013

Published: Monday, February 18, 2013 at 7:12 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, February 18, 2013 at 7:12 p.m.

Community

Newbridge twinning delegation in Ocala

In 2008, Ocala Mayor Randy Ewers signed a twinning agreement with Newbridge, Ireland, Mayor Mick Deely to develop a program between the two communities. In the five years since, relationships have been formed between Ocala and Newbridge in the areas of equine, culture, education and business. A delegation from Ireland is visiting the area through early next week.

Business and government representatives from Ocala and Newbridge will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership to discuss opportunities to encourage innovation, trade and tourism.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, two equine-related business representatives from Ireland, Dr. Richard McCormick and Dr. Barbara Murphy, will lecture about equine performance at the Ocala Hilton. Lunch will be provided, but reservations are required.

For more information about the Friday event, contact Donna Delahunty at 274-4157 or geanuil@aol.com. To learn more about Thursday’s event, contact Delahunty or Jaye Baillie at 629-8051, ext 101.

Volunteers needed for Special Olympics

Hundreds of local student-athletes gather later this month at Forest High School for Marion County’s 41st annual Special Olympics Summer Games.

Volunteers serve as timers, recorders, award presenters, measurers, ball retrievers, catchers, parade line-up partners, and more. Because they have direct student contact, all volunteers must be pre-registered with the school district.

Florida ranks among the lowest in the nation, at No. 44 in state revenue, for arts education initiatives, according to a report by the National Assembly for Arts Agency.

The symposia series is targeted to educators, community arts organizations and interested citizens through programming on how to integrate arts education into schools and communities to supplement a lack of funding.

Pre-registration for the event is $10 for FAAE members and $20 for non-members; registration on site is $15 for members and $25 for non-members.

For more information, visit www.faae.org/arts-integration-symposia-series.

Retired public employees meet

The Retired Public Employees Association will hold a membership meeting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 1 at the Holiday Inn and Suites, 3600 SW 38th Ave., Ocala.

The cost is $17. Reservations are required by Thursday.

For more information, call 854-8585.

Ladies host fashion show for charities

The Ocala Ladies of Elks Fashion Show and Luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. March 23 at the Ocala Elks Lodge, 702 NE 25th Ave., Ocala.

The event will benefit Elks Children and Therapy Services, Elks Youth Camp, Army of Hope, Interfaith Emergency Services and other charities.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

For more information, call 732-7091.

Host an exchange student from abroad

The World Heritage Student Exchange Program is seeking local host families for high school boys and girls from Scandinavia, France, Germany, Italy, Thailand, China, South Korea and the former Soviet Republic.

Host families provide room, board and guidance. Each student is insured, brings his or her own spending money and expects to bear a share of household responsibilities and be included in normal family activities and lifestyles.

Couples, single parents and families with or without children in the home are encouraged to apply. The students will arrive shortly before the 2013-14 school year begins.

For more information, call 687-3469 or 800-888-9040 or visit at www.whHosts.com.

Altrusa scholarships available to residents

Altrusa International Inc. of Ocala has two scholarships available for eligible Marion County residents.

The Altrusa Scholarship is open to all individuals and The Thelma Parker Educational Scholarship is open to individuals seeking a career in education.

Individuals returning to the work force are especially encouraged to apply.

<p><b>Community</b></p><p><b>Newbridge twinning delegation in Ocala</b></p><p>In 2008, Ocala Mayor Randy Ewers signed a twinning agreement with Newbridge, Ireland, Mayor Mick Deely to develop a program between the two communities. In the five years since, relationships have been formed between Ocala and Newbridge in the areas of equine, culture, education and business. A delegation from Ireland is visiting the area through early next week.</p><p>Business and government representatives from Ocala and Newbridge will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership to discuss opportunities to encourage innovation, trade and tourism.</p><p>From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, two equine-related business representatives from Ireland, Dr. Richard McCormick and Dr. Barbara Murphy, will lecture about equine performance at the Ocala Hilton. Lunch will be provided, but reservations are required.</p><p>For more information about the Friday event, contact Donna Delahunty at 274-4157 or geanuil@aol.com. To learn more about Thursday's event, contact Delahunty or Jaye Baillie at 629-8051, ext 101.</p><p><b>Volunteers needed for Special Olympics</b></p><p>Hundreds of local student-athletes gather later this month at Forest High School for Marion County's 41st annual Special Olympics Summer Games.</p><p>Volunteers serve as timers, recorders, award presenters, measurers, ball retrievers, catchers, parade line-up partners, and more. Because they have direct student contact, all volunteers must be pre-registered with the school district.</p><p>Volunteers are needed Wednesday, Thursday and Feb. 27 at Forest High School, 5000 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala.</p><p>For more information, call 671-1434 or email Lynn.Brantley@marion.k12.fl.us.</p><p><b>Art symposia planned Saturday at Appleton</b></p><p>The Florida Alliance for Arts Education will host its fourth Arts Integration Symposia series beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Appletom Museum of Art, 4335 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.</p><p>Florida ranks among the lowest in the nation, at No. 44 in state revenue, for arts education initiatives, according to a report by the National Assembly for Arts Agency.</p><p>The symposia series is targeted to educators, community arts organizations and interested citizens through programming on how to integrate arts education into schools and communities to supplement a lack of funding.</p><p>Pre-registration for the event is $10 for FAAE members and $20 for non-members; registration on site is $15 for members and $25 for non-members.</p><p>For more information, visit www.faae.org/arts-integration-symposia-series.</p><p><b>Retired public employees meet</b></p><p>The Retired Public Employees Association will hold a membership meeting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 1 at the Holiday Inn and Suites, 3600 SW 38th Ave., Ocala.</p><p>The cost is $17. Reservations are required by Thursday.</p><p>For more information, call 854-8585.</p><p><b>Ladies host fashion show for charities</b></p><p>The Ocala Ladies of Elks Fashion Show and Luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. March 23 at the Ocala Elks Lodge, 702 NE 25th Ave., Ocala.</p><p>The event will benefit Elks Children and Therapy Services, Elks Youth Camp, Army of Hope, Interfaith Emergency Services and other charities.</p><p>Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.</p><p>For more information, call 732-7091.</p><p><b>Host an exchange student from abroad</b></p><p>The World Heritage Student Exchange Program is seeking local host families for high school boys and girls from Scandinavia, France, Germany, Italy, Thailand, China, South Korea and the former Soviet Republic.</p><p>Host families provide room, board and guidance. Each student is insured, brings his or her own spending money and expects to bear a share of household responsibilities and be included in normal family activities and lifestyles.</p><p>Couples, single parents and families with or without children in the home are encouraged to apply. The students will arrive shortly before the 2013-14 school year begins.</p><p>For more information, call 687-3469 or 800-888-9040 or visit at www.whHosts.com.</p><p><b>Altrusa scholarships available to residents</b></p><p>Altrusa International Inc. of Ocala has two scholarships available for eligible Marion County residents.</p><p>The Altrusa Scholarship is open to all individuals and The Thelma Parker Educational Scholarship is open to individuals seeking a career in education.</p><p>Individuals returning to the work force are especially encouraged to apply.</p><p>The deadline for applications is March 31.</p><p>For applications, call 817-2571 or visit www.altrusaofocala.com.</p><p><b>CALENDAR</b></p><p><b>TODAY</b></p><p>OCALA HARMONY: Four-part harmony women's barbershop chorus, 1 to 3 p.m., College Park Church, 3140 SW 26th St., Ocala. (875-4811)</p><p> </p><p>T.O.P.S.: Taking Off Pounds Sensibly, 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1126 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Weigh-in 5:45 p.m. (236-4157 or 732-6947)</p><p> </p><p>UNITED TOASTMASTERS: Marion United Toastmasters, 4 to 5 p.m., United Way of Marion County, 1401 NE Second St., Ocala. (816-1264)</p><p> </p><p>NOON TOASTMASTERS: Ocala Noon Toastmasters, noon, AAA Auto Club South, 3033 SW College Road, Ocala. (816-4842)</p><p> </p><p>CHAIR YOGA: Free chair mobility yoga class, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road. (489-3761)</p><p> </p><p>STITCHING: Therapeutic Stitching Group, 10 a.m. to noon, Stitch Niche, 20782 Walnut St., Dunnellon. (465-8000)</p><p> </p><p>NAR ANON: 12-step support group for those with a loved one suffering from addiction, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 1839 NE Eighth Ave. Road, Ocala. Newcomers 6:30 p.m. (naranonfl.org)</p><p> </p><p>STRETCHING: Stretching class, 10 to 11 a.m., Forest Community Center, 777 S. County Road 314A, Ocklawaha. (438-2840)</p><p> </p><p>BINGO: White elephant bingo, 1 p.m., Forest Community Center, 777 S. County Road 314A, Ocklawaha. (438-2840)</p><p> </p><p>PTSD: PTSD support group, 6:30 p.m., College Of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Room 102, Building 42, Ocala. (875-8200 or poemsbycraig1@aol.com)</p><p> </p><p>BASKET WEAVING: Basket weaving, 5:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1126, E. Silver Spring Blvd., Ocala. (629-9657 or 817-2967)</p><p> </p><p>MOVIE: Movie matinee for adults and teens, 1 p.m., Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE County Road 484, Belleview. (438-2500)</p><p> </p><p>B.E.A.R.: Be Excited About Reading, 3:30 p.m., Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE County Road 484, Belleview. (438-2500)</p><p> </p><p><b>WEDNESDAY</b></p><p>COMPUTER CLASS: Homespun crafts, 10:30 a.m., Marion County Public library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. (671-8551)</p><p> </p><p>COMPUTER CONFIDENCE: Have computer questions answered, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Forest Public Library, 905 S. County Road 314A, Ocklawaha. (438-2540)</p><p> </p><p>FOREST FRIENDS: Friends of the Forest Library, 10:30 a.m., Forest Public Library, 905 S. County Road 314A, Ocklawaha. (438-2540)</p><p> </p><p>STAMP CLUB: General Francis Marion Stamp Club, 1 p.m., Bank of the Ozarks, 8375 SW State Road 200, Ocala. (www.ocalagfmstampclub.com)</p><p> </p><p>PROFIT MAKERS: BNI Profit Makers, 7:30 a.m., Country Club of Ocala, 6823 SE 12th Circle, Ocala. (209-1068)</p><p> </p><p>GENEALOGY: Help center, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Marion County Public library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. (671-8551)</p><p> </p><p>CURRENT EVENTS: Current events discussion group, 11:30 a.m., Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 690 Silver Road, Silver Springs (687-4188)</p><p> </p><p>HELP CENTER: E-book/digital audio help center, 2 p.m., Marion County Public library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. (671-8551)</p><p> </p><p><b>WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY</b></p><p>HITS: HITS Winter Circuit, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Post Time Farm, 13710 U.S. 27, Ocala. Free Wednesday through Saturday; $5 per person Sunday. (620-2275 or www.hitsshows.com/ocala.)</p>